The Radical Hospitality of Baptism

Confession 1:  As a self-proclaimed hospitalitarian, I look for (and usually find!), hospitality everywhere and in everything. 

Confession 2: It's about to get really Lutheran up in here...  

In Luther’s explanation of baptism in the Small Catechism he quotes from the book of Titus, chapter 3:  “By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Savior, that, being justified by His grace, we should be made heir according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3: 5-7). Who knew Titus was such a gem!  It clearly does not get the credit it deserves.  Anyway, this explanation of baptism is a beautiful articulation of Lutheran theology- renewal, grace, hope of eternal life.  But in those words, I also see the radical hospitality of God.  Through baptism we are welcomed anew both because of and in spite of who we are, surrounded “with abundance” the presence of the Holy Spirit, and given the hope of eternal life.  God lavishly pours out God’s love and grace- and in that, “we are marked with the cross of Christ forever”.  And for those of us who have ever had a guest over stay their welcome, we understand what how radically hospitable a “forever” invitation is!  But it doesn't stop there.  In the act of baptism, we as the community in Christ, following God’s example, offer hospitality to the newly baptized.  We stand and welcome them into the Body of Christ and recognize them as a fellow worker in the kingdom of God.  Not guest, but fellow member equal in love, grace and gift.  And then we slide over and make room for one more person at the table.